As you might guess, my Reading and Writing scores on the ACT that I recently took, under standard time conditions, were not indicative of my true reading and writing ability. It did show that it takes me longer to read and write than students without dyslexia — however, I am pretty sure I already knew this — and I have adjusted my schedule to allow for this factor in all other phases of my life.

In retrospect, I now realize that I have watched and learned throughout these past thirteen years, by watching my mother advocate on my behalf. I have learned that you "win" some of these battles. I have learned the little things that must be done to continue to move upward and achieve my educational goals. In fact, the analogy of "winning some of the battles even if we do not win the war" may be a good description of how my educational experiences could be summed up. And in reality, maybe winning the key battles is enough — and maybe winning the war is not what is actually necessary when it comes to advocating for myself in relation to my different learning style.

By the way, I do know that my biological father quit school at the age of seventeen, due to what were described as "reading difficulties" that plagued him throughout his public school education. In fact, he quit school to take a job reading layouts and drafting plans for an HVAC company — due to the fact that reading words was difficult — but deciphering shapes was easy. I think I know how he must have felt.

I am extremely committed to completing my bachelor's degree and continuing my education toward a professional degree as a physician. At the age of two, I was diagnosed with severe asthma and was in and out of numerous hospitals and medical centers. However, my pediatrician, Dr. Jane Wilson, was a person that I will never forget. She was quiet, unassuming in appearance, professional, and empathetic. It was at the age of about three or four that I decided I wanted to become a physician, just like Dr. Wilson. I have never wavered from this goal. In fact, I have spent my life up to this point on a pathway to this goal. This path has included job-shadowing experiences in the offices of Johnson Family Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center, Allergy Associates of Brazos Valley, Dr. Ricardo Procuruall (Rheometry Arthritis Specialist), Dr. Stuart Yoffe (Allergy and Immunology Specialist), and the College Station Medical Center Emergency Room.

Additionally, I have acquired numerous medically related certifications and licensures as per age restrictions which include: Junior Lifeguard, Certified Nursing Assistant, Water Safety Instructor, Fundamentals of Instructor Training, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and First Aid, American Red Cross Blood Borne Pathogen Training: Preventing Disease Transmission, Instructor CPR, Healthcare Provider CPR & First Aid, and Heartsaver Facts: AED, CPR & First Aid.

Perseverance is a trait that I think I certainly possess. As stated earlier, I was diagnosed with severe asthma at the age of two. My adoptive parents divorced when I was five. Then, a dyslexia diagnosis at the age of seven. At the age of thirteen, I had a congenital birthmark removed from my face to make sure that it was not cancerous. Later that same year, I endured the tragic death of my father. Yet, I have journeyed on — relying on my faith and determination. In my opinion, there were no other options — I have a plan for my life and I will continue down this path toward my goals.

With the many trials and tribulations in the first seventeen years of my life, including my learning disability, it may have been easier to withdraw and become a type of recluse. However, I have always been an outgoing person who loves social interaction. So, although there have been times that I have been ridiculed for my differences, I have taken this in stride and I think I have developed an even stronger empathetic personality. Through these events, I actually think I can understand and feel the pain of people from a variety of backgrounds. Why? Because I have walked in their shoes.

I feel that I possess a well-rounded life perspective and have sharpened this outlook by taking active roles in school and community activities including: Varsity Choir, National Honor Society, Health Occupation Students of America, A&M United Methodist Church Youth Group, and mission trips (as a United Way and Red Cross volunteer, and through recreational and Varsity swim teams).

When I encounter people through these groups that are, for example: of a different ethnic group (I am an American Indian), have a limiting medical condition (like asthma), have a physical abnormality (like my birthmark), have a learning disability (like dyslexia), have lived through a family event (like divorce) or have endured the tragedy of a loved one's death (like my father) — I know I can relate. I've been told that many people live a lifetime without encountering the numerous "life changing" events that I have experienced. However, I don't view these as negative events. Instead, I think these are learning situations that have been placed in my life to enable me to become a more understanding and empathetic person and ultimately a great physician.